Photo Release: U.S. Coast Guard Academy 145th Commencement Exercises

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The Coast Guard Academy Class of 2026 throws their cadet combination covers into the air during a flyover at the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The flyover featured various Coast Guard aircraft. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rajesh Harrilal)

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The Coast Guard Academy Class of 2026 throws their cadet combination covers into the air during a flyover at the 145th Commencement Exercise at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The flyover featured various Coast Guard aircraft. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rajesh Harrilal)

President Donald J. Trump walks through a cordon during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s 145th commencement exercises in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The commencement ceremony celebrated the Class of 2026 as graduates received commissions as officers in the U.S. Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

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President Donald J. Trump walks through a cordon during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s 145th commencement exercises in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The commencement ceremony celebrated the Class of 2026 as graduates received commissions as officers in the U.S. Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

A U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) cadet waves at her family during the 145th Commencement Exercises at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. USCGA commissioned 266 officers from the class of 2026. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rajesh Harrilal)

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A U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) cadet waves at her family during the 145th Commencement Exercises at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. USCGA commissioned 266 officers from the class of 2026. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rajesh Harrilal)

U.S. Coast Guard Academy international cadet Virlyn Gibson, from Guyana, holds her country’s flag during the academy’s graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The Class of 2026 included international students who will return to serve in their respective countries following graduation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

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U.S. Coast Guard Academy international cadet Virlyn Gibson, from Guyana, holds her country’s flag during the academy’s graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The Class of 2026 included international students who will return to serve in their respective countries following graduation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

A cadet cover rests on the ground after the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The tradition of throwing cadet covers signifies graduates’ transition from cadets to commissioned officers in the U.S. Coast Guard.

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A cadet cover rests on the ground after the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The tradition of throwing cadet covers signifies graduates’ transition from cadets to commissioned officers in the U.S. Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadet 1st Class Alexander Beato walks across the stage during the academy’s graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. Graduates from the Class of 2026 go on to serve at various U.S. Coast Guard units. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

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U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadet 1st Class Alexander Beato walks across the stage during the academy’s graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. Graduates from the Class of 2026 go on to serve at various U.S. Coast Guard units. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

President Donald J. Trump addresses cadets during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s 145th commencement exercises in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The Class of 2026’s motto is “Aut Inveniam Viam Aut Faciam,” meaning “Find a way or make one.” (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

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President Donald J. Trump addresses cadets during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s 145th commencement exercises in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The Class of 2026’s motto is “Aut Inveniam Viam Aut Faciam,” meaning “Find a way or make one.” (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey Spenner conducts the U.S. Coast Guard Band during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The ceremony marked the 145th commencement exercises for the academy. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

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Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey Spenner conducts the U.S. Coast Guard Band during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The ceremony marked the 145th commencement exercises for the academy. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadet 1st Class Drew Kamakanikipu‘upu‘u Basque waves to the audience during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. Approximately 260 U.S. graduates from the Class of 2026 received commissions and earned Bachelor of Science degrees. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

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U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadet 1st Class Drew Kamakanikipu‘upu‘u Basque waves to the audience during the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. Approximately 260 U.S. graduates from the Class of 2026 received commissions and earned Bachelor of Science degrees. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lyric Jackson)

A U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) cadet poses for a photo during the 145th Commencement Exercises at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. Cadets go through a 200 week course to become commissioned officers. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rajesh Harrilal)

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A U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) cadet poses for a photo during the 145th Commencement Exercises at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. Cadets go through a 200 week course to become commissioned officers. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rajesh Harrilal)

Ensign Tealani Wasson renders her first salute to a friend following the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The first salute is a military tradition recognizing a newly commissioned officer’s entry into service.

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Ensign Tealani Wasson renders her first salute to a friend following the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The first salute is a military tradition recognizing a newly commissioned officer’s entry into service.

Ensign Tealani Wasson has her shoulder boards replaced by a family member following the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The placement of ensign shoulder boards marks a graduate’s transition into the officer corps.

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Ensign Tealani Wasson has her shoulder boards replaced by a family member following the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The placement of ensign shoulder boards marks a graduate’s transition into the officer corps.

U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) cadets smile during the 145th Commencement Exercises at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The cadets earn their commission and degree during the ceremonies. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rajesh Harrilal)

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U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) cadets smile during the 145th Commencement Exercises at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. The cadets earn their commission and degree during the ceremonies. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rajesh Harrilal)

NEW LONDON, Conn., — Two-hundred and sixty six ensigns graduated and commissioned for service at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The President of the United States Donald J. Trump delivered the keynote address during the 145th commencement exercises on Cadet Memorial Field.

The class motto is "Aut Inveniam Viam Aut Faciam" meaning "Find a way or make one."

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